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A C-47 Military Air Transport similar to the one shown here developed engine trouble 380 miles from Newfoundland. The date was April 27, 1949.

The plane was forced to ditch in the cold waters of the north Atlantic. Although it sank within 12 minutes, there were no casualties or injuries. The U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Sebago rescued the planes crew and all were saved

The Sebago, commissioned on Sept. 20, 1945, was originally named the Wachusett and stationed at Norfolk, Virginia and used for law enforcement. In later years it served out of various other ports including Boston, Staten Island and even off the coast of Vietnam during the conflict there. It was decommissioned in 1972 and transferred to the federal Maritime Administration.

This story appeared in the November 2001 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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